United States Department of Agriculture

Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service

Wildlife Services Directive 

WS 4.155

9/17/2021

OFF HIGHWAY VEHICLES

1. PURPOSE

This Directive establishes safety and training guidelines for the operation of Off Highway 

Vehicles (OHV). For the purpose of this Directive, OHVs include All-Terrain Vehicles 

(ATV), Utility Task Vehicles (UTV) also known as a Recreational Off-highway Vehicle 

(ROV) or Side by Side (SxS), and Snowmobiles.

2. REPLACEMENT HIGHLIGHTS

This Directive replaces WS Directive 4.155, dated, April 4, 2009. 

3. AUTHORITY

7 U.S.C. 8351 to 8353, and 16 U.S.C. 667, authorizes officers, agents, and employees of 

the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Animal and Plant Health Inspection 

Service (APHIS), Wildlife Services (WS) to conduct a program of wildlife services and to 

enter into agreements with states, local jurisdictions, individuals, and public and private 

agencies, organizations, and institutions for the purpose of conducting such services.

4. POLICY

a. Each OHV operator must comply with federal, as well as applicable state, and local

laws and regulations, including applicable state registration, licensing, and training

requirements. Unless a written exemption is provided by the corresponding authority.

b. WS personnel and collaborators conducting official duties must complete initial

OHV training before operating OHVs following the Standard Operating Procedure:

Off Highway Vehicle Training and Operations.

c. OHVs owned or leased by the government are for official purposes only. WS

personnel must obtain written authorization from their supervisor prior to using

privately owned (hired) OHVs for official government purposes. Privately owned

(hired) OHVs must meet the same requirements as a government owned or leased

OHV. Privately owned (hired) OHVs use may be eligible for per diem based on the

respective WS state or program area policy.

d. Report all accidents involving OHVs immediately to the first line supervisor or other

appropriate official, in accordance with current Department/Agency vehicle accident

reporting requirements and procedures.
Wildlife Services Directive 4.155 2

e. Operators of OHVs must review and follow all operating, maintenance, and safety 

instructions included in the manufacturer owner's manual.

f. Unless designed by the manufacturer to carry a passenger, ATVs and snowmobiles 

must not carry a passenger, except in emergencies.

g. OHV operator, passengers, and cargo combined weight must not exceed the

manufacturer’s recommended weight limits, except in emergencies.

h. When using a vehicle to transport an OHV, personnel must use a stable ramp with 

appropriate weight limits and ensure OHVs are securely fastened to prevent 

shifting. 

i. Loads carried on OHVs must be securely fastened.

j. Firearm use from an OHV must follow the USDA APHIS WS Firearms Safety 

Training Manual and WS Directive 2.615 WS Firearm Use and Safety.

k. When operating OHVs in remote areas, personnel must provide their supervisor or

designee with their general locations of travel and expected return times; and carry a 

cell phone, VHF radio, Personal Locator Beacon (PLB), or equivalent communication 

or location-tracking device.

l. A companion vehicle (i.e., the buddy system) is recommended when traveling in areas 

where cell phone or VHF radio service is uncertain and a PLB or location-tracking 

device is not available. 

m. Supervisors must ensure that all WS personnel and collaborators using OHVs 

complete training requirements in accordance with the Standard Operating 

Procedure: Off Highway Vehicle Training and Operations.

5. SCOPE

This Directive is applicable to all WS personnel and programs.

6. REFERENCES

a. Marketing and Regulatory Programs Motor Vehicle Manual (MRP 5400)

b. USDA APHIS WS Firearms Safety Training Manual 

c. WS Directive 2.615 WS Firearm Use and Safety 

d. Standard Operating Procedure: Off Highway Vehicle Training and Operations

Janet L. Bucknall

WS Deputy Administrator